Jill Mara, fashion veteran and designer/owner of Flote, is an on-the-go kind of woman. As an avid athlete and traveler, Mara new that in designing bags, her clutches, totes, and barrels, she would have to make them as functional as they were stylish. Using recycled materials and her fashion know-how, Jill Mara is doing just that.
The HFD (Head Fashion Diva) of The Lazy Environmentalist, Margaret, caught up with Jill for an on-the-fly fashion convo.
Lazy E: Why did you decide to incorporate sustainability into your designs?
Jill Mara: As an advanced scuba diver, diving sine 1991, I have first hand knowledge of how the underwater environment has changed, and not for the better. Any time I can recycle/repurpose anything, I do! It takes very little effort and minor changed is daily life to make a big difference.
LE: Are there added challenges associated with making eco-friendly bags?
JM:The only challenge there is when creating a recycled/repurposed group is that one has to be very creative on how to get the materials. Once the fabric and hardware is collected it is a creative puzzle to take those items and create interesting designs. We manufacture all of these items in NYC- so our carbon footprint is as limited as can be!
LE: What are the most popular styles?
JM: The most popular bags are the barrel bags, the track bag and the allowance pouches.
LE: What is the most expensive bag you have ever purchased?
JM: My Mother is an artist and always dreamed of having a particular brand of evening bag which is hand made covered entirely with crystals. My Brother and I purchased one for her for her 60th birthday; I don’t remember how much it cost, but it is safe to say it was at least one weeks pay!
